This analysis describes what GitHub's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The non-refund policy means users bear the full cost of any unused paid service period regardless of how or when they cancel or downgrade.
GitHub's updated Terms of Service now include an explicit section governing AI features, including Copilot. The new section establishes specific contractual terms for how user data may be collected, used, and retained for developing and improving AI and machine learning models, and identifies what controls are available to users. The practical effect is that AI-related data practices are now consolidated under dedicated contractual language rather than dispersed across general service terms.
View change record →GitHub's Terms of Service update on April 19, 2026 involved substantial revisions across 54 sentences, with 40 sentences removed and 4 added. The extent of change suggests modifications to core service provisions; however, without access to the specific language that was modified, removed, or added, the precise operational implications for users cannot be determined. Users should review the updated Terms directly to understand how the changes affect their usage rights, account obligations, or dispute resolution procedures.
View change record →You will not receive refunds or credits for partial months of service, downgrading your plan, or unused months while your account remains open.
How other platforms handle this
Service fees are generally not refundable for returned items. If your order is refunded, we may issue a refund, replacement, or credit at our discretion.
If you are on a paid subscription and we discontinue the Service you are using during your subscription...if we're unable to do so, we will provide you a pro-rata refund of fees prepaid for the remaining period of your subscription.
Once you redeem your Points, you cannot cancel or return the Redemption Option for a refund of Points except in the case of defective products or as required by applicable law.
"The Service is billed in advance on a monthly or yearly basis respectively and is non-refundable. There will be no refunds or credits for partial months of service, downgrade refunds, or refunds for months unused with an open Account...Excerpt from GitHub's Terms of Service
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The non-refund policy means users bear the full cost of any unused paid service period regardless of how or when they cancel or downgrade.
You will not receive refunds or credits for partial months of service, downgrading your plan, or unused months while your account remains open.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 178 platforms. See the full comparison.
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